Ahead of another huge transfer window on Tyneside, it was clear before Sven Botman’s injury that Newcastle would be looking to sign at least one centre-back this summer.
Now the Dutchman is facing six to nine months on the sidelines following an ACL injury that requires surgery, our search for another central defender will almost certainly move up a notch.
One name that refuses to go away is Lloyd Kelly. Eddie Howe signed him from Bournemouth and is thought to be a big fan.
The Mail’s Craig Hope revealed earlier reported last month that we’ve already held talks with his representatives over a summer move to St James’ Park, with Steve Nickson ‘pressing ahead with talks’ now the 25-year-old looks set to become available on a free transfer.
Kelly’s ability to play as a left-sided centre-back or left-back will appeal on two fronts. He may have considered an upgrade on Dan Burn, offering greater pace and ability on the ball than the 6ft 7′ Geordie, but he’s equally comfortable at centre-back, meaning he could fill in for the injured Botman over the first few months of the 2024/25 season.
He’s gone on to become Bournemouth’s captain since Howe’s departure, suggesting leadership skills that will surely appeal, but the very fact he’s available on a ‘free’ will be hugely enticing for a club looking to recruit smartly in the world of FFP and PSR restrictions.
A low-cost move for Kelly wouldn’t be a glamourous signing, but it would free up funds to spend big on Fabian Schar’s eventual replacement. With a defensive midfielder, right winger and striker also needed this summer, free agents like this could help our budget go further.
One concern is the injuries he himself has picked up over the past few seasons, as hip and muscle issues have seen him miss 14 games this term. While that may be enough to put us off when he’d be arriving to cover the injured Botman, his age, Premier League experience, versatility, relationship with Howe and price point see him tick so many boxes heading into the summer.
He wouldn’t be the big-money right-sided centre-back we hope to see sign to eventually replace the ageing Fabian Schar, but it could be smart business and a signing that just makes sense in our current predicament.
One to watch and an early deal I think we’ll be pushing to wrap up in light of Botman’s long-term injury.
I hope not If Kelly is what we’re looking at them we need a rethink as he’s not a upgrade on anyone already here.
Add in the fact his injury record over the last 2 seasons is awful plus he’s bang average.
I would much rather we went for Tosin from Fulham on a free a much better player imo or promote Murphy from the u21s, as back up move Burn to CB and play Targett or Hall at LB.
Porkpie(Quote)
Not saying Kelly would be my top target or some dream signing, just thinking he’s very likely to come in. Howe links, cheap, upgrade on Burn at LB and can cover for Botman at LCB.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Always remember Jonathan Woodgate saying he was a Rolls Royce of a defender suppose got to let the club do what they think is right
Darren Bebb(Quote)
That much of a Rolls Royce no big team has been in for him.
I get where you’re coming from but Tosin is a way better option and like Kelly available on a free in the summer.
Porkpie(Quote)
Take both?!
We need a replacement for Schar long term & I agree Tosin would be a good option.
Kelly could take Dummetts squad place – there’s your upgrade 🤷🏼♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
For the rest of this season I’d prefer to move Burn back into CB, promote Alex Murphy as back up, and play one of our 2 LB’s in their natural position. Tosin could be a replacement/backup for Schar.
Porkpie(Quote)
Porkpie I was just making a comment on what his former manager said about him that’s all he might turn out to be a good signing if we are actually in for him I’m not saying he will or won’t
Darren Bebb(Quote)
I know I just pointed out that despite what Woodgate said no one from a top club is proving him right
Porkpie(Quote)